Rebuilding after Hurricane Irene

ON AUG. 27, 2011, a Category 1 hurricane, Irene, made landfall on Eastern Carolina’s Outer Banks—a near direct-hit to Shackelford Banks and Cape Lookout National Seashore. Despite suffering tremendous damage, volunteers have poured more than 1,000 hours into cleaning up Pamlico Sea Base and its neighbor, Camp Boddie.

While the Sea-Doos, Sunfish sailboats, and other motorboats were moved before the storm to prevent damage, falling trees and high winds battered the camp’s facilities. A boat launch at Camp Boddie was washed away by the rising surge of surf. In all, according to FEMA, the camp damages totaled $270,000.

Yet, thanks to the efforts of Scouts and the local community, the camp will open with its full summer schedule this year. In fact, Pamlico has even added a new sailing program to its menu, including trips on a 72-foot schooner named “Jeanie B”.